Overview & Reviews

The Pontiac brand is part of the General Motors family, and is home to many of the automaker's more performance-oriented vehicles. Currently, the marque offers a broad range of sporty cars and SUVs. However, as part of GM's restructuring plan, the brand is slated to be discontinued by the end of the 2010 model year.

Pontiac originated as the Oakland Car Company of Pontiac, Michigan, in 1907; it was founded by Edward Murphy. Acquired by General Motors in 1909, Oakland introduced the first Pontiac vehicle in 1926. Dubbed the "Chief of the Sixes," the car was powered by a six-cylinder engine and made its debut at that year's New York auto show. It was so successful that the Oakland name was phased out in favor of Pontiac, the name of an 18th-century chief of the Ottawa Indians. Throughout the 1930s and '40s Pontiac made coupes, sedans and wagons in the low-to-mid price ranges. A unique styling cue of Pontiac cars from the mid-'30s to the mid-'50s was known as "Silver Streak," a set of art-deco-inspired chrome "speed lines" that ran up over the length of the hood to the base of the windshield.

The 1950s saw the introduction of the Pontiac Bonneville. The sprawling, stylish cruiser offered equal measures of performance and luxury, and was a breakout hit. But it wasn't until the 1960s that the Pontiac brand truly came into its own. American manufacturers had begun to offer downsized alternatives to the gigantic cruisers that had ruled the highways in previous decades. Pontiac came to market with the compact Tempest. In 1964, Pontiac made its biggest impact yet with the creation of the GTO option for the Tempest. By equipping the car with the powerful 389 cubic-inch V8 from the full-size car line, Pontiac created the first "muscle car." Phenomenally successful, the GTO helped define the burgeoning muscle car category. Pontiac also saw tremendous success during the latter part of this decade with its Firebird and Firebird Trans Am.

The oil crisis of the '70s made fuel efficiency a priority for many car buyers. Following the lead of its GM siblings, Pontiac made compact vehicles like the Ventura and Phoenix a major part of its lineup. The '80s saw the launch of the two-seat Pontiac Fiero. Despite its modest beginnings (it was initially marketed as a "commuter car"), the Fiero eventually blossomed into a credible sports car.

The '90s saw the launch of Pontiacs like the Sunfire and Montana minivan. Pontiac has slowly lost sales due to changing tastes and a lack of differentiation between its models and those of other GM divisions. In hopes of recapturing past glory, the division embarked on a plan to retire aged models and introduce all-new ones with distinctive styling and personality. For a while, the effort seemed to be bearing fruit. New models like the Vibe, Solstice and G8 made Pontiac a brand to consider in many segments. However, GM's financial troubles in 2008 and 2009 have resulted in the company's decision to phase out Pontiac as a brand. It's expected 2010 will be Pontiac's last year for new models.

User Reviews:

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  Pontiac Praise - 2002 Pontiac Grand AM
  By Ken M - May 31 - 4:26 am

  Responsive for a 4 cyl, gas milage around 32.5 highway with some city driving. Purchased as used, and have had zero problems in 6 months. Ive always owned GM vehicles and will continue to do so, because of the reliability and styling they provide.

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  Power, Performance and Style - 2002 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By Don Richmond - May 30 - 11:06 pm

  I am a driver in my mid 40s. I guess Ive become bored with the average sedan. Looking for something a little different. This is it! This gives me the sporty look I wanted, the power to get there fast, and the comfort I desired. The car is loaded. The 2002 Pontiac Grand Prix GTP has great acceleration and has lots of toys. The salesperson pointed out the Eyecue Heads up Display. He informed me the GM had bought out Hughes Aircraft back in the 80s. Hughes makes the F-16 fighter jet. He asked if I had ever seen Tom Cruise in Top Gun. I said sure. Well remember when the jet information was projected onto his windshield .... check this out..the same technology was in my Grand Prix!

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  Great car - 1997 Pontiac Sunfire
  By cp2200 - May 30 - 2:00 pm

  I bought the car with about 215,000 on it and Ive put about 35,000 on it so far and no problems. Had to get new tires, replace front brakes, and replaced spark plug wires. I get about 30 mpg to 36 mpg depending on the weather because I live in Wisconsin. Always starts and goes right away everyday. My power steering pump went out but I dont need it anyways.

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  Aztek Excitement! - 2001 Pontiac Aztek
  By RandyP - May 29 - 10:00 am

  This is the best car I have ever owned. Before I bought the Aztek I compared it to several other FWD SUVs. I found it had more room, both passenger and cargo, than any other SUV, a bigger engine than 90% of the others and got better gas mileage than any other SUV in its class! If you have never driven one do yourself a favor and just drive it before you buy anything else.

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  1998 SSEi - 1998 Pontiac Bonneville
  By RyanMac - May 29 - 10:00 am

  The Bonneville SSEi is just an amazing piece. Its very quick, handles well, and is completely loaded with every option. It also looks mean and catches eyes everywhere I go.

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  Why I Love the Aztek - 2003 Pontiac Aztek
  By garthodinson - May 29 - 10:00 am

  My wife has a bad back and had a hard time with other cars we tested. She loves the seating and since weve gotten it takes it on long rides, leaving me with the Firebird:( It has performed wonderfully in the snow and it is a great vehicle on trips. We also love camping in it. When my wifes lease on the Firebird is up she plans on getting an Aztek also!

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  The best of the best - 2003 Pontiac Aztek
  By Ruhappyim - May 29 - 10:00 am

  I am not a car person, but let me tell you this is the most fun, comfortable, easy to get into,dependable car I have ever owned.Have had it for way over a year now and normally I am looking at other ones n wishin I had them by now. But this car I plan on keeping until the legs fall off. Just give one a test drive and you also will be hooked!!

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  Great Ride - 2003 Pontiac Aztek
  By HotRod - May 29 - 10:00 am

  Excelent SRV! It can do alot of hauling without a problem. The cargo area is great for do-it-yourself types. The ride is smooth and long distance driving is easy and very comfortable, especially with the 6 CD changer in the dash. I have had only minor problems (ex: visor clip broke). The gas milage averages 19 in the city and 25 on the highway, try to get that in any AWD SUV!! Aztek is very stable and excelent in snow! 4 Star rollover rating and front and side airbags for great safty. There is even a internet group to bounce questions off of and there is a rally every year for AztekOwners!

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  01 blue gt - 2003 Pontiac Aztek
  By bryan phagan - May 29 - 10:00 am

  i have a 01 bought in Oct. 2000 and love it.....

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  The Best Pontiac around! - 2003 Pontiac Aztek
  By yugoman50 - May 29 - 10:00 am

  This is the smoothest riding, most comfortable vehicle on the market. rear seats are easil removed for pickup- truck size hauling, tailgate has built in seatrests, rear stereo controls are great.